If you were hurt in a Lyft ride in Texas, you may be wondering what legal options you have. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, understanding how to sue Lyft is key to protecting your rights. At the Kolodny Law Firm, we help injured Texans take on powerful companies—including rideshare giants like Lyft. Our goal is to hold negligent parties accountable and secure fair compensation for our clients.
Can You Sue Lyft in Texas?
Yes, you may be able to sue Lyft under certain circumstances. However, the process is not always straightforward. Lyft classifies its drivers as independent contractors, not employees, which typically limits the company’s liability. Still, there are situations where Lyft may be legally responsible for your injuries in an accident.
Here are some scenarios that could lead to a Lyft accident lawsuit:
- You’re injured in a crash caused by a Lyft driver who was actively transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up. You may be able to file a claim against the driver, and Lyft’s $1 million commercial insurance policy may apply under Texas insurance laws.
- You’re a passenger in a Lyft vehicle involved in an accident, regardless of who caused the crash. Lyft’s commercial insurance typically covers passenger injuries during active rides.
- You’re struck by a Lyft driver who was logged into the app and waiting for a ride request. Under Texas law, limited liability coverage may be available through Lyft if the driver’s personal insurance is insufficient.
- You believe Lyft was negligent in hiring, training, or retaining a driver with a known history of unsafe behavior. You may have grounds to sue Lyft directly if you were hurt by a driver who was a known safety risk.
The specific facts of your case will determine whether legal action against the company is possible.
How to File a Lawsuit Against Lyft
Successfully suing a rideshare company requires clear evidence and a solid understanding of how insurance coverage works in these cases. Here are the steps involved in pursuing a claim.
1. Seek Prompt Medical Attention
Your health is the top priority. Visit a doctor immediately—even if your injuries appear minor. Medical records serve as vital evidence linking your injuries to the crash.
2. Report the Incident
Call the police and file a formal report at the scene. If the issue is unrelated to a crash (e.g., driver misconduct), report the incident through the Lyft app or website.
3. Gather and Preserve Evidence
Strong documentation helps build your claim. Be sure to collect the following:
- Photos of the vehicles, scene, and visible injuries;
- Contact details for witnesses;
- Police reports, hospital records, and invoices; and
- Screenshots of the Lyft ride summary, driver details, and app activity.
This information can be crucial in proving fault and calculating damages.
4. Speak with a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer
A knowledgeable Houston personal injury lawyer will assess your case, help you understand liability, and determine whether a lawsuit against Lyft is feasible. Taking on a corporate legal team without skilled representation can jeopardize your claim.
5. Evaluate Lyft’s Legal Responsibility
Your attorney will help determine if Lyft can be held accountable based on your unique circumstances. Common causes of action include:
- Negligent driving. If the Lyft driver acted carelessly and caused your injuries, their personal insurance—and possibly Lyft’s commercial coverage—may apply.
- Inadequate driver screening. If Lyft failed to vet or supervise a driver who had a dangerous history, the company may bear liability.
- Technology failures. App glitches or platform issues that lead to unsafe outcomes could open Lyft to additional claims.
Sometimes, there may be more than one contributing factor to the crash. A thorough investigation and evaluation will help identify the precise cause of action you may have.
6. Comply with the Texas Statute of Limitations
Under Texas law, you generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your claim could be barred entirely. An attorney can help ensure that all filings are submitted on time.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Lyft Lawsuit?
A successful Lyft accident lawsuit may result in compensation for a wide range of losses, depending on the nature and extent of your injuries.
You may be entitled to damages for:
- Medical costs—emergency treatment, diagnostic tests, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses;
- Lost earnings—compensation for missed work and long-term impacts on your ability to earn a living;
- Pain and suffering—physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life; and
- Property damage—repairs or replacement of your car and any other affected property.
Your attorney will calculate the full value of your claim and help you pursue maximum compensation.
Why Choose the Kolodny Law Firm for Your Lyft Case?
At the Kolodny Law Firm, we understand the emotional, physical, and financial challenges that follow a rideshare accident. Since 2012, our firm has helped injured Texans hold negligent parties accountable, recovering over $3.5 million in awards in the past five years.
Our attorneys offer:
- Proven results. We’ve secured trial verdicts that exceeded insurance policy limits.
- Trial readiness. Every case is prepared as if it’s going to court, sending a strong message to insurers.
Direct communication. You’ll work with your attorney from start to finish, not be handed off to staff. - Contingency-based fees. We don’t get paid unless you win your case.
With our firm on your side, you gain a dedicated legal team that knows how to challenge rideshare companies and fight for the justice you deserve.
Speak with a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you are wondering how to sue Lyft, the Kolodny Law Firm is here to help. We offer free consultations and provide aggressive legal advocacy grounded in compassion and integrity. Contact us to speak with a Houston personal injury lawyer today. We’ll listen to your story, evaluate your case, and explain your options for moving forward.
Alan Kolodny is committed to representing injured clients in Texas and throughout the United States. Alan earned his B.A. from Rice University and his J.D. from Southern Methodist University.
He focuses his practice on representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases involving the following matters: maritime and offshore accidents, including those under the Jones Act; automobile and 18-wheeler truck accidents; and industrial site accidents, work-related accidents, and claims for injured railroad workers under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act.
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